Every woman should see her gynecologist at least once a year for a routine check-up. However, the frequency of visits may vary depending on individual health needs. Some symptoms require prompt attention from your gynecologist.
If you are unsure when it is time to make an appointment, here are some signs that may indicate it is time to see your gynecologist.
Vaginal Bleeding
Any bleeding besides your normal menstrual cycle should be a cause for concern. Whether you have been spotting during the middle of your cycle or after intercourse, you must book an appointment with your gynaecologist.
Abnormal uterine bleeding may indicate a precancerous or cancerous lesion, even if you do not have a family history. Only your healthcare provider can conduct further tests to get to the root cause and resolve the issue.
Pelvic Pain
Slight pelvic pain is common during your period, after exercise, or postpartum recovery. However, intense pain, especially outside your period or postpartum recovery, must be taken very seriously.
Sharp and continuous pelvic pain can be a sign of an infection or conditions such as endometriosis. If you have been experiencing this pain, asking your gynaecologist to help you is always recommended.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
The flow in a normal cycle usually starts light, becomes heavier for a couple of days, and then tapers off. While the amount and duration of bleeding can vary slightly from cycle to cycle, a heavy period must never be taken lightly.
Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency and several health conditions. Uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and hormonal balance are among the most common reasons for heavy menstrual bleeding.
Irregular Menstrual Cycle
According to the National Institutes of Health, 14% to 25% of women of childbearing age deal with menstrual irregularities. This is a common sign that you may not be ovulating. This issue can cause several health problems for you, especially if you are trying to conceive. If you are above 40, the absence period can also be a sign of perimenopause.
If you have been dealing with irregular periods for any other reason than menopause, you must seek help from your gynaecologist. Timely action can help you improve your well-being and overall quality of life. They can conduct the necessary tests to figure out the problem and take the necessary steps to help you.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Slight mood changes before your period are experienced widely by women everywhere. However, if your mood swings and irritability rise to affect your quality of life, you should not hold back from asking for help.
Many women in Albuquerque search for “gynecologist Albuquerque” to find a suitable healthcare provider. You can do the same to alleviate your symptoms and enhance your quality of life.
Unusual Vaginal Discharge
Several women deal with vaginal discharge in various stages of their cycle. It typically increases during ovulation, pregnancy, or sexual arousal. While clear or milky vaginal discharge can be normal, you must take any unusual changes seriously.
If you see changes in color, odor, or texture, you must get in touch with a gynaecologist. Such changes often indicate an infection or bigger health concerns. In some cases, immediate action can prevent your condition from worsening and may even save your life.
Remember that abnormal discharge does not always come with a burning sensation or an odor that indicates a serious issue. It is best to let a professional evaluate the severity of your symptoms.
Itching or Burning
According to Harvard Health, 75% of all women are likely to have at least one vaginal Candida infection, and up to 45% have two or more. As the statistics indicate, many women deal with yeast infections.
While yeast infections are often accompanied by itching and burning, you must seek help from a gynecologist if the systems persist. Prolonging symptoms may be a sign of disorders such as lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, and chronic dermatitis.
Your gynecologist can look into the symptoms, conduct a biopsy if necessary, and take further action to improve your overall well-being.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is more common in women than many realize, yet many feel hesitant to seek help due to embarrassment. If you are struggling with incontinence, know that you are not alone. Reaching out for support is a positive step towards improving your quality of life.
You can book an appointment with your gynaecologist to deal with this problem. These professionals can start by conducting tests and diagnosing the type of incontinence you may be dealing with.
Based on the results, they can not only recommend lifestyle changes to improve your life but also prescribe medication and even recommend surgical options.
Difficulty in Conceiving
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), roughly 1 in 6 worldwide experience infertility. This problem can take a toll on your physical and mental health, undermining your quality of life.
If you have been unable to conceive after trying for more than a year, it is a good idea to seek out help from your gynaecologist. These professionals can look into the problem and help you figure out a solution.
In case lifestyle changes and medication do not help, they can also recommend advanced options such as IVF, IUI, and ovulation induction.
Menopausal Issues
Menopause is the natural decline in estrogen production that typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. It is a gradual process that begins with perimenopause, marked by irregular periods and other symptoms, before leading to the complete cessation of menstruation.
Common menopause symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and brain fog can take a toll on your physical and mental health. During this time, you must stay in touch with your gynaecologist for guidance and help.
In addition to helping you with the symptoms, your gynecologist can also recommend important checks such as regular mammograms and a bone density test. This way, they can ensure that your quality does not get undermined during such an important transition in your life.
